Mobility Package: S&Ds are the only ones to broker an agreement to defend workers’ rights in the transport sector

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The all-party transport committee in the European Parliament today backed the report drafted by S&D MEP Ismail Ertug on cabotage*. It reinforces transparency and workers’ rights by effectively tackling letterbox companies.

Ertug’s report is part of the first Mobility Package, which also includes posting of drivers and working and resting time. The transport committee, however, rejected the other two reports drafted by a United Left (GUE) and an EPP member respectively.

S&D vice-president for sustainability Kathleen Van Brempt said:

“Ismail Ertug has been the only rapporteur capable to find an acceptable compromise. The vote today is a clear signal: it is the Social-Democrat way or no way.

“We are proud that S&Ds managed to stop the EPP's destruction of bus and truck drivers' rights, blocking EPP Wim Van de Camp's attempt to legalise the regular weekly rest of 45 hours in the cabin. It was already rejected by the European Court of Justice and this idea should be definitely abandoned.”

Ismail Ertug, author of the parliamentary report on cabotage and the S&D spokesperson on transport, said:

“This is a very difficult package affecting the well-being of 3.6 million professional drivers in Europe. The S&D is the best-placed group to find the right balance between protecting workers’ rights and safety and leaving enough room for enterprises to thrive, especially SMEs.

“The balance is not always easy but in the cabotage report we show how many loopholes can be closed in order to avoid abuses, such as creating fake letterbox companies to avoid fair salaries for drivers.

“We S&Ds are working for a more social just Europe, and for the economic rapprochement between the East and West.”

Note to the editors:

Cabotage refers to the national carriage of goods for hire or reward carried out by non-resident hauliers on a temporary basis in a host member state